Steering locked for 1987 Mercrusier

[MurdockHerb]

1987 Sea Ray 165 hp I/O mercruiser. Steering locked up making turn and will not budge. The steering controls (and console controls) that run along the side of the boat to the stern had drop about 3 inches before the lock up. Is this a cable problem? I've re-attached the cable mounting ties but it didn't help.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Steering locked for 1987 Mercrusier

Welcome to iboats Well that must have scared the crap out of you! Could be, depends how hard you kinked it. Did you look at the hookup at transom? I would look there first....JK

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering locked for 1987 Mercrusier

Herb, Most of the time the steering freezes up during inactivity (over the off-season). When that occurs it is usually the stainless steel cable end corroding into the aluminum support tube (on the outdrive) where the steering connects to the motor. You should be able to unscrew the cable from the tube, and if the steering wheel moves, the cable is good.